WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 14

Model answer

Points to develop: Statement of the central theme; The location of the shrine; The role of the shrine; The desecration of the shrine; The consequence of the desecration. The Blood of a Stranger by Dele Charley condemns the European exploitation of Africa and how African leaders were complicit in the exploitation of their own people. The play centres on the themes of colonialist exploitation, greed, corruption and the consequence of these in the desecration of the hallowed culture of Mando Land. Mando Land is a representation of African countries robbed by the imperialists. Mando people had been living in peace under the reign of King Santigi Mando V until the arrival of Whitehead whose greed and desire to rob the people of their diamond and the complicity of Maligu and Soko lead to eventual bloodbath in the play. Being a traditional society, the culture of Mando lends credence to the voice of the gods. For this reason they have a hallowed shrine located in the cave where no one else but the priest is allowed to be. The priest is expected to sleep in the cave where the shrine is located. The shrine is tended by Soko the priest and his men. The shrine is the inhabitation of the gods. It is likewise a place for rituals and sacrifices. The shrine is where the gods decree, give instruction and proclaim their intentions to the people through the priest. No wonder, Soko capitalizes on this and uses it to exploit the people of Mando Land. There is no doubt that despite the respect given to the shrine, the people still desecrate it in different ways. Soko sleeps in a hut in the forest instead of the cave as claimed. Kindo also attempts to sleep with Wara near the shrine. Soko uses his power and the people's belief in gods' commands from the shrine to decree a false virgin sacrifice in collusion with Maligu. The eventuality of the lies perpetuated by Soko, Maligu and Whitehead is the bloodshed that claims the lives of Soko, Whitehead and his right hand man, Parker. Consequent upon the desecration of the shrine is the banishment of Kindo by Santigi who is compelled by Maligu to banish him (Kindo) for having killed on the peace day. Santigi's uncritical adherence to culture plays out here. Although Kindo is recognized as the hero of the play and he promises to come back to reclaim the throne on his father's death, his banishment leaves us in doubts as to the possibility of Maligu becoming king after the death of Santigi.